When part of the group lives abroad, the exchange changes: you have to think about shipping, customs, currencies and time zones.
The reason for it doesn't change. With a little planning, a gift from a sibling in another country arrives on time.
An exchange across countries
Buy in the recipient's country
Shipping a parcel between countries in December is expensive and slow. It's often easier to order the gift from an online shop in the recipient's country and have it delivered straight to them.
The same goes the other way: if you live abroad and buy for someone back home, buy it there.
One currency for the limit
Set the limit in one currency, the most common in the group, and let everyone convert. Write it in the rules. Otherwise some people spend in dollars and others in pesos or euros, and the gifts end up very uneven.
Use whoever is travelling
If someone is travelling home in December, they can carry gifts for those who live abroad. It's the cheapest option, but it needs to be arranged early and within the baggage allowance.
Gift day on a video call
Pick a time that works across time zones, often a weekend morning in the Americas and afternoon in Europe, and open the gifts together on a video call.
Customs and taxes
Customs rules vary by country. Before shipping, check the destination's rules, declare the contents and avoid food and liquids unless you're sure they're allowed. When in doubt, choose a digital gift or a local purchase.
Set up your Cuchumbo abroad in a minute
Cuchumbo works in fourteen languages and any time zone. Share one link by message or email and everyone joins from wherever they are.
